Hohenems – ESI on how to defend Europe at the Jewish Museum Hohenems

9 December 2025
Gerald in Hohenems. Photo: ESI
Gerald in Hohenems. Photo: ESI

ESI’s Gerald Knaus spoke on ‚Defending Europe‘ in Hohenems, Austria. The event was organized and hosted by the Jewish Museum of Hohenems. Gerald presented findings from his recent book, Welches Europa brauchen wir?, on how to defend European integration. The discussion was moderated by the head of the Jewish Museum, Hanno Loewy. The event was held in conjunction with a follow-up event the next day across the border in Altstätten, Switzerland.

Gerald opened the discussion by reflecting on Europe’s development since the end of the Cold War, noting that the continent has experienced both remarkable prosperity and recurring nationalist violence. From this history, he drew an important lesson: European integration has been central to securing peace and protecting human rights. Relations among member states have been transformed, with countries that were once adversaries – such as Germany and Poland – now cooperating closely as partners. This partnership extends well beyond economic cooperation and also includes creating a shared framework of democratic norms, rule of law, and respect for human rights.

He then warned that these achievements are under increasing pressure. As before in European history, nationalists are again trying to divide Europe and sow chaos for their own ends. Disturbingly, these forces are topping polls in Austria and across the continent. If they come to power, he cautioned, they could weaken the foundations of European integration and the human rights protections associated with it. Gerald thus concluded that Europe’s defenders must now take action, passing laws that address public concerns in areas such as migration, highlighting ESI’s work in the field. Similarly, he continued that we all must speak with more conviction about both the successes of integration and the dangers it now faces, pointing out that the present event is a good example of the work that must be done more and more for defending Europe.

Gerald at the Jewish Museum. Photo: Gerald Knaus
Gerald at the Jewish Museum. Photo: Gerald Knause